Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land on an unsuitable landing surface which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a remote tidal beach in a tricycle landing gear-equipped airplane. He stated that after making several passes over the intended landing site, he made a normal approach and landing. During the landing rollout, the nose gear stuck in the sand, and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC15CA058 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Mekoryuk, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150G
- N-number
- N3392J
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.